Champions League: ‘Man United will miss Mata’

David Moyes has admitted it is frustrating that he will be without Juan Mata in the UEFA Champions League but he still believes Manchester United can challenge for European glory.

Mata is cup-tied for the Champions League after signing from Chelsea in January, but Moyes has defended the decision to bring in the Spaniard for a club-record fee.

 He accepts that not many major signings are made in the winter, but insists it was too good  an opportunity to miss.

 "We wanted to get Mata when we could and that was the January transfer window," said the United boss.

 "Yes, it's  frustrating we can't use him in the Champions League and that's why you hear people saying January isn't a great time to buy.

"Most of the clubs are trying to buy players who aren't Champions League cup-tied.

 “But the better ones tend to be  like Juan. We were trying to buy that type of talent, so we wanted to get him early."

 United are struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League by virtue of finishing in the top four of the Premier League, but Moyes believes they could still get there by winning this season's competition. -- PAS